Electrowinning cell

Abstract

An electrowinning cell and a cathode for use therein for removal of gold or other precious metals from a solution thereof in a suitable electrolyte. The cathode comprises a perforated steel plate wrapped in layers of woven wire mesh secured thereto. The cathode design is such that the cathode may be cleared of deposited gold sludge by use of an ordinary garden hose spray nozzle without its removal from the cell, making the electrowinning process faster and more economical.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States Letters Patent is: 
     
       1. An electrowinning cell assembly for removal of at least one precious metal dissolved in an electrolyte solution, said cell having at least one anode and at least one cathode, said anode and said cathode being adapted to be spaced apart within said cell when said electrolyte is present therein, wherein the cathode comprises: woven wire mesh; and   means supporting said mesh suspended within the electrolyte solution, comprising a metallic plate adapted to be suspended within the electrolyte, said mesh being wrapped in at least one layer therearound in electrical contact therewith, said mesh being everywhere crinkled so as to outstand from said plate and from underlying mesh layers, wherein said cathode plate and said wire mesh are made of stainless steel.   
     
     
       2. The electrowinning cell assembly of claim 1, wherein the metallic plate is perforated. 
     
     
       3. The electrowinning cell assembly of claim 2, wherein the mesh is secured to the plate by securing means. 
     
     
       4. The electrowinning cell assembly of claim 3, wherein the securing means comprises wire ties. 
     
     
       5. The electrowinning cell assembly of claim 4, wherein the wire ties are made of stainless steel. 
     
     
       6. The electrowinning cell assembly of claim 3, wherein the securing means comprises ratchet buttons. 
     
     
       7. The electrowinning cell assembly of claim 6, wherein the ratchet buttons are made of stainless steel. 
     
     
       8. The electrowinning cell assembly of claim 1, wherein the mesh is secured to the plate by securing means. 
     
     
       9. The electrowinning cell assembly of claim 8, wherein the securing means comprises wire ties. 
     
     
       10. The electrowinning cell assembly of claim 9, wherein the wire ties are made of stainless steel. 
     
     
       11. The electrowinning cell assembly of claim 8, wherein the securing means comprises ratchet buttons. 
     
     
       12. The electrowinning cell assembly of claim 11, wherein the ratchet buttons are made of stainless steel. 
     
     
       13. The electrowinning cell assembly of claim 1, wherein the mash comprises wire of a diameter from about 0.0045 to 0.0100 inch. 
     
     
       14. The electrowinning cell assembly of claim 1, wherein there are from about four to six wraps of mesh around the plate.